Arandic alternate sign language(s)
Date
2015
Authors
Green, Jennifer
Wilkins, David P
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
De Gruyter Mouton
Abstract
This chapter describes sign language(s) used in Arandic language speaking communities of Central Australia. These sign languages have been called ‘alternate’ because they are not usually the primary mode of communication, but rather employed alongside other semiotic systems, including speech, gesture and drawing practices. Alternate sign languages are “developed by people already competent in some spoken language ... for use as an alternative to speech in circumstances where, for whatever reason, speech is not used” (Kendon [1988] 2013: 4). Whilst a proficient Arandic signer is able to converse entirely in sign with an interlocutor who is their match, in typical instances of everyday use signed utterances do not
carry the entire communicative load – rather they are one component of a ‘composite signal’. Although these sign languages may be employed as an alternative to speech, co-speech signing is also common practice amongst hearing signers.
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Citation
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Source
Type
Book chapter
Book Title
Sign languages of the world: A Comparative Handbook
Entity type
Access Statement
Open Access via publisher website
License Rights
DOI
10.1515/9781614518174-040
Restricted until
2099-12-31